UAE Sets Record: Over 4,000 Organ Donors in One Hour

UAE organ donation record

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a new world record for the highest number of online organ donation registrations within a one-hour timeframe. Over 4,000 residents enthusiastically signed up for the Hayat program, the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues. This accomplishment was achieved on January 31, as part of a concerted effort to foster a culture of organ donation and solidarity within the community.

Hayat, which means "life" in Arabic, was established in September 2020 under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). Before the online drive, 21,357 UAE residents from diverse nationalities had already registered with Hayat. Within the span of just one hour, an additional 4,010 donors joined the initiative, bringing the total number to an impressive 25,367 by 3 pm on that Wednesday.

The Hayat program serves as a symbol of solidarity, emphasizing the community's compassion for individuals grappling with organ failure. Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of Hayat, highlighted the program's inclusive nature, encouraging everyone to participate. He stressed that becoming a donor is not just about the physical act but also reflects a positive culture and a shared sense of responsibility toward one another.

Dr. Al Obaidli highlighted that all UAE residents aged 18 and above can register for Hayat, expressing their willingness to donate organs after their passing. The only requirement for registration is a valid Emirates ID. The chairman acknowledged that while only a small percentage of those registered might become donors, the act of signing up serves as a powerful gesture of solidarity and care for the community.

To reach a wider audience, nursing students Andleeb Syed Muhammad Yousuf and Aida Muhammad Haneef traveled from Gulf Medical University in Ajman to Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai to personally pledge their support for organ donation. They urged peers and students their age to join the Hayat program.

Hayat also actively engages volunteers and ambassadors to spread awareness. Ambassadors play a leadership role, educating and encouraging the community to support the program through events, activities, and public discussions. Volunteers, on the other hand, focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases, guiding residents to register on the Hayat platform.

Prakasini Marar and Souad Jamaluddin, actively promoting Hayat in various WhatsApp groups, estimate that more than 4,000 UAE-based nurses have already registered on the platform. Their efforts contribute to making Hayat the world's fastest-growing organ donation drive, with an impressive 41.7% growth over the last five years, according to the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP).

The UAE's commitment to organ donation is further evidenced by the more than 460 transplants conducted since 2017, with 111 operations performed in 2023 alone. The success of the recent online registration drive underscores the community's eagerness to contribute to this meaningful cause, fostering a culture of giving and saving lives through organ donation.